Following the publication of PMI figures which could charitably be described as not overly optimistic, Julie Palmer, Managing Partner at financial and real estate advisory group BTG, highlighted the impact of the war in the Middle East, persistent inflation, reports of an impending energy crisis and soaring costs of operation and employment. Looking at the challenges for manufacturers generally, and SMEs in particular, she commented: "The industry and policymakers will be setting their sights on identifying the solutions to protecting UK manufacturing from the persistent and worsening challenges leaders face."